FIFPRO, the international union representing professional footballers, announced the 26 nominees on Monday, November 2. The shortlist was drawn up based on votes cast by players worldwide.
Hakimi’s inclusion comes after an outstanding season, during which he won a continental title and helped Morocco reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. He also lifted the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
Several other major names in world football feature on the shortlist, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The FIFPRO World 11 is an annual award based exclusively on votes from professional footballers. For the 2026 edition, 19,806 players from 73 countries took part in the voting, which covered performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026.
The final FIFPRO World 11 will be announced on November 9, 2026, at a ceremony attended by some of the biggest names in world football.
Achraf Hakimi celebrates after scoring his third goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-1 win over Le Havre on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Ligue 1.. AFP
The 26 nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO World 11
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, David Raya.
Defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel Magalhães, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri, Vitinha.
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal.
